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Story Published: Feb 10, 2005 at 11:59 PM PDT
Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:51 AM PDT
Today's minivans are the perfect family vehicle-- they're comfortable, they handle well, and they have a lot of interior space.Consumer Reports says the best models are now "refined, luxurious, and loaded with features." In fact, the editors say minivans are a "good alternative to a large SUV."
Why? Because they cost less, get more miles to the gallon, and tend "ride and handle better."
In its just-released March issue, Consumer Reports gives top honors to the 2005 Honda Odyssey and the 2005 Toyota Sienna. The magazine says the Odyssey, with its electronic stability control "has an edge in braking and emergency handling," while the Sienna "has a quieter, more comfortable ride, and a little more cargo space."
Consumer Reports calls the front-wheel drive Honda Odyssey "a well-rounded vehicle."
The Odyssey was completely re-designed for 2005. It gets points for its "agile and secure" handling, fit and finish, and comfortable interior. The small fold-down center seat in the second row lets you carry eight; or take it out for a walkway to the third row.
Here's a neat feature: a lockable storage compartment in a lazy-susan design, located under the third row seat. It's the perfect place to store small items out of sight. With the new Odyssey, you won't have to worry about where to put your beverage. This vehicle has 11 cup holders.
Base price for the 2005 Honda Odyssey ranges from $25,000 - $34,500 depending on the trim package.
Consumer Reports also recommends the Toyota Sienna minivan, calling it "an excellent vehicle." The all-wheel drive Sienna (the only AWD minivan on Consumer Reports recommended list) delivers a quiet, comfortable ride that the editors describe as "on par with some luxury cars." They say the cabin is "comfortable and finely detailed." The telescoping steering wheel makes it easier to find a comfortable driving position.
The Sienna has great headlights. Consumer Reports says the low-beam headlights are "some of the best" they've ever tested, with "good distance and intensity." The high beams "also performed well."
The storage center console storage compartment is removable! It's easy to detach and if you want, you can remount it between either the first-row or second-row seats. Not to be outdone, the Sienna also has 11 cup holders!
The base price for the 2005 Toyota Sienna ranges from $23,200 - $37,500 depending on the trim package.
You find more on these minivan ratings in the March issue of Consumer Reports.
For More Information:
U.S. News & World Report Review of Honda Odyssey
Motor Trend Magazine Road Tests Honda Odyssey
NHTSA Crash Test Results for Toyota Sienna